Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview and Betting Tip

Two months ago few would have predicted that Ole Gunnar Solskjær would still be in a job, let alone heading to Anfield for Liverpool vs Manchester United with a chance to open up a six point lead over the reigning Champions. Liverpool, who have been struggling for form since smashing seven past Crystal Palace, still come into the game as the even money favourites and most pundits expect them to reclaim their customary top of the table position. However, at around 11/4 Man Utd are as short as they have been for some time for this fixture and as the odds suggest, they are not without a chance.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have yet to find that consistency that saw them dominate last season. Since their 7-2 hammering at the hands of Aston Villa their form has been patchy, especially on the road. Their form at Anfield is much better, but West Brom managed to nick a point in their last home game. It wasn’t exactly plain sailing against Spurs in their previous home fixture either. Okay, Klopp’s men won 2-1 but Spurs had plenty of chances and the game could have been out of sight before Firmino’s last gasp winner.

Defensive Frailties

The injuries to Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez cannot be ignored when looking at Liverpool’s overall form. Van Dijk, in particular, is a massive loss and given Joel Matip’s struggles to stay fit Jurgen Klopp has had to get creative with his centre back partnerships. Fabinho, whose ball winning skills have been missed in midfield, has become first choice centre back and if Matip can’t play then Jordan Henderson is his most likely partner. Having two central midfielders at the heart of defence would not be ideal, particularly against a swift counter attacking side like United.

Another big worry for Liverpool is the form of Trent Alexander Arnold. Yes, there have always been doubts about the defensive side of his game but these have been magnified in recent weeks. It was his error that allowed Ings in for Southampton’s winner and he is clearly lacking confidence on the ball too given that he gave it away 38 times before being hooked by Klopp. If he starts he is another potential weak link that United could exploit.

United Not Watertight

As for United, they have not looked watertight at the back either during their ascent to the top of the table. However, the return of Bailly has helped them and they have kept two clean sheets in the last three matches. The question is whether Bailly can continue to cut out the rash decisions that have plagued his United career so far. Aaron Wan Bissaka will need to be better than he was against Burnley as he looked shaky at times. Luke Shaw is in solid form at the moment but he faces the mammoth task of keeping Mo Salah quiet.

Paul Pogba looks almost certain to start. He has strung a sequence of solid displays together for the first time in a long time but this will be the acid test for him. Fred, rested against Burnley, is another likely starter, as is Scott McTominay. Bruno Fernandes will also start in his customary roving role and United fans will be hoping he silences the ‘he hasn’t done it in a big game yet’ doubters. Whoever wins the battle between him and Thiago Alcantara in midfield could be the determining factor in this game. Rashford will play up top and Solskjær will also likely start Martial if he is fit. If Martial doesn’t make it then Cavani could play, although it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if either Greenwood or James got the nod due to their pace.

So Will There Be Goals?

Given the worries defensively for both sides, you would think there will be goals. However, when you look at the recent fixtures between these two sides that is far from guaranteed. Only a Van Dijk header separated until Salah’s last minute second goal at Anfield last season and the match at Old Trafford was another tight 1-1 affair. Of the two teams, Liverpool will be under more pressure to go on the attack and win the game but that could play into United’s hands.

Liverpool vs Man Utd H2h

This could turn out to be a cagey affair, especially with no fans in the ground. United drew 0-0 with both Chelsea and Man City earlier this season in their biggest PL fixtures and Liverpool have scored just 1 goal in their last 3 Premier League matches. A 4-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa’s kids was not the morale boosting win that the result suggests either as Villa were right in the game up until the hour mark.

Can Liverpool Turn On The Style

As Liverpool showed vs Palace, they are capable of turning on the style at any time. Will they hit top gear on Sunday?  Well, if they can’t get up for a game against Manchester United then there is something seriously wrong. They will draw confidence from their unbelievable home record in the Premier League, just as United will from their strong away form in the last 12 months.

Liverpool will likely start this game fast and if they get an early goal United could be in big trouble. The longer that United manage to stay in the match, the more dangerous they will become and they will be more than happy to sit back and soak up pressure in the hope that they can catch Liverpool with their pace on the counter. At this stage of the season though, both managers would probably be happy with a point and a low score draw could be on the cards at Anfield. The draw and both teams to score at 4.50 with Bet365 is our tip. 

Liverpool vs Manchester United Tip: Draw/Both Teams To Score @ 4.50 Bet365

Key Big match Quotes

Jurgen Klopp: “Those are things we have to think about – not who is the outsider. It is Liverpool v United and that in itself is a massive game. Wherever I would be in the world I would watch it definitely. This is the game.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjær: “It’s a test and reality check for where we are really at because Liverpool at Anfield is one of the great challenges.”

Sadio Mane: “We are fighting every single day at the training ground to be consistent each week on the pitch. Now I think we are looking forward to the game, which will be a tough one. But we’re looking forward to it and will do everything possible to try to win it.”

Bruno Fernandes: “For us it’s about winning game by game because being first in January or beating Liverpool in January and going six points ahead doesn’t mean you will be Champions.”

Dave Stevos